NZ Para swim star retires ‘fully content’
Multiple Paralympic medallist Mary Fisher has retired from her sport.
The Kiwi Para swimming ace set world records at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. She won a gold, two silver and a bronze in London and another gold in Rio.
The visually impaired Wellingtonian also collected a swag of world and Pan Pacific championship medals in a lengthy career.
‘‘My dream goal as a nine-year-old was to represent New Zealand at the Paralympics,’’ Fisher said yesterday.
‘‘Racing at multiple Games, sharing the highs and lows with team-mates and gaining understanding of my mind and body has given me a perspective on life that I never expected. I’m fully content with my swimming career.
‘‘But eeking hundredths of a second from a race isn’t enjoyable or satisfying anymore. I thrive on researching each component of a situation, so I’ve taken time in making sure stepping away from racing is the right decision.’’
Fisher, 25, is well-known for her work as an advocate around disability and environmental issues and for her support of developing Para swimmers and mentoring of youth with vision impairment and their families.
She is now a part-time volunteer and recreation co-ordinator at the Blind Foundation. Distance study through Massey University enabled her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree supported by a High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) Prime Minister’s Scholarship.
Fisher is undertaking post-graduate psychology papers and learning Te Reo Ma¯ori and enjoys community music, and is a regular with the Glamaphones and Wellington Community Choir.